Member Spotlight
Jack Young, FASA, CPA, MRICS
We are honored to announce Jack Young, ASA NorCal member, FASA, CPA, MRICS, President, NorCal Valuation Inc., who has received the highest recognition in the ASA. Jack Young was indicted into ASA College of Fellows for exceptional service, unwavering professionalism, and extraordinary contributions to the appraisal profession.
What do you specialize in, and when should clients come to you for help?
I specialize in machinery and equipment appraisals and appraisal reviews, with a particular focus on complex properties such as food processing facilities and wineries that require rigorous, experienced analysis of specialized industrial assets.
Please describe the most interesting project you have had recently.
That’s a question that really depends on what “interesting” means to you.
Early in my appraisal career, while I was already working with Bob Podwalny, I landed the appraisal of Campbell’s tomato soup processing plant in Sacramento. I was in over my head, and Bob stepped in to help me—teaching me not just the intricacies of food processing facilities, but also the generosity and camaraderie that define the American Society of Appraisers at its best.
More recently, appraisal review assignments have been among the most deeply engaging work of my career. Each one is entirely different, and I find the process of synthesizing complex findings into reports that are clear, relevant, and useful to a court or hearing board to be enormously rewarding.
Who has influenced you most in your approach to your work and professional goals?
Like many machinery and equipment appraisers, I was profoundly shaped by Bob Podwalny. Bob was a rare combination of practical wisdom, generosity, and genuine kindness. Before he died, he introduced me to Ray Springer, who became my mentor and carried that tradition forward. Both Bob and Ray became close personal friends, and their influence is woven into everything I do professionally.
What do you enjoy when you’re not working?
Wilderness travel is a constant—hiking, backpacking, and skiing. I also love gardening, reading short fiction (Anton Chekhov is my favorite), and writing creative nonfiction.